reast plumage of the birds.

"What's he doing that for?" asked Jesse of Rob.

"They're not good to eat," said Rob, "that's one thing sure. I'll tell
you what--I've seen some dark-colored feather coats and blankets at the
trader's store down below Valdez. I'll warrant they were made out of the
breasts of these very sea-parrots here."

Whatever were Jimmy's plans he could not or did not disclose them. After
a time he threw his heap of parrot-skins into the front of the dory, and
stood waiting at the side of the boat, as though ready to go home if the
others wished it. They therefore embarked for return to their camp.

XIII

MAKING A LIVING

"If any of our people were along," said John, as they headed the dory
back toward the mouth of the creek, "I would say we could have a pretty
good time here."

"I don't doubt," answered Rob, "that we can get along all summer without
trouble. I believe, too, that the natives come here so often we may be
able to send out word even if we can't get out ourselves. We can't
possibly be a hundred miles from Kadiak town, and although we might get
there in our dory, the chances are so much against it that I think we
would do better to stay right where we are for a time at least. As we
were saying not long ago, this country furnishes a living without much
trouble."

"And without much work," added John, "as long as we have Jimmy."

"He's stronger than we are," admitted Rob; "still, each of us must do
his share of the work around camp, because that's the only right way to
do. He's a good teacher, for we're in his country and will have to live
in his way--What's on his mind now, do you suppose?" Rob continued, as
Jimmy suddenly stopped rowing and began to look keenly off toward shore.

"I see him!" exclaimed Jesse, eagerly. "It's a seal! Look at him!"

About sixty yards away there was a round object with two shining spots
on it standing just above the water--the head of a seal which was
closely examining the strange object which approached it. All at once,
as they looked at it, the seal suddenly sank out of sight. Without
instruction the Aleut now bent to his oars as hard as he could, and
hurried to the beach which lay not far beyond. Hurriedly pulling the
dory up, he motioned to Rob to get out with his rifle.

"There he is again!" called John, pointing. "He's closer in now. Look,
he isn't a hundred yards away! You try him, Rob; you're the best shot."

Crouching down, Rob hur